15th Victim of UPS Plane Crash Dies on Christmas Day
UPDATE: A 15th person has tragically died from injuries sustained in the November 4 UPS plane crash, confirmed Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg on Christmas night. This heartbreaking news adds to the sorrow following the disaster that claimed 14 other lives.
Alain Rodriguez Colina, 50, succumbed to his injuries on December 25 after weeks of battling for his life in the hospital. Colina, an employee of Grade A Recycling, had shown signs of recovery in recent days, making his death a shocking turn for family and friends.
According to company CEO Sean Garber, Colina joined Grade A in March 2023 and rapidly advanced to the role of commodities buyer. “That day, November 4, is etched in all of us. Now Christmas Day joins it,” Garber expressed, highlighting the profound impact of this loss.
Colina, a Cuban immigrant who moved to Louisville with family, suffered severe burns but managed to escape the building during the incident. Garber recounted a poignant conversation with Colina’s 20-year-old nephew, who is devastated that Christmas will now forever be linked to his uncle’s passing.
The aftermath of the crash has weighed heavily on the Grade A community, which lost four employees and eight customers at the Grade Lane facility. Outside the facility, a memorial of 11 wreaths honors those who perished, with Garber stating, “Everyone of us was hoping we wouldn’t have had to add a 12th.”
As the community mourns, Grade A Recycling has established a fund to support the families of victims. Garber is calling for justice and accountability for all affected by the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that 23 people on the ground were injured during the incident, but Garber is unaware of any other victims still hospitalized.
A spokesperson from University of Louisville Health indicated that since November 6, they have not been permitted to disclose information about hospitalized victims due to family requests.
As details continue to unfold, the community grapples with the emotional toll of this avoidable tragedy, seeking healing and justice in the wake of profound loss.
